Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu American Congressional Leader takes oath on Bhagwad Gita

Yesterday, January 3rd, Tulsi Gabbard became the first Hindu American Congresswoman to be sworn in from Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district. She took her oath on the Bhagwad Gita, the Hindu scripture which unveils the many ways of transcending the limitations that human beings have.

Being 32, already a war veteran and from a minority religious group in the US – getting elected to the US House of Representatives does indeed require one to break the limitations that are ingrained in most of us. So it is probably very fitting that she kept her copy of Bhagwad Gita close to her as she was being sworn in.

“I chose to take the oath of office with my personal copy of the Bhagavad-Gita because its teachings have inspired me to strive to be a servant-leader, dedicating my life in the service of others and to my country. My Gita has been a tremendous source of inner peace and strength through many tough challenges in life, including being in the midst of death and turmoil while serving our country in the Middle East.”, she said in her statement.

Hinduism has hundreds of religious and spiritual treatises, yet Bhagwad Gita holds a special place in the hearts of most Hindus. Its profundity and transformational power has been recognize by many top intellectuals and scientists like Robert Oppenheimer as well.